Hurricane season in the United States is from June 1 to November 30, with most of the storms forming in the months of August, September and October. Horse owners and caretakers are advised to plan ahead of time. Dr. Amanda House, an internal medicine veterinarian at UF, has provided the following hurricane preparation tips:
- Prepare a first aid kit
- Practice loading your horse into a trailer
- Locate farms or shelters in advance
- Have phone numbers of the vet, insurance information and shipper (if necessary)
- Keep medical records and other important documents such as a Coggins test and health certificate accessible
- Make sure that your horse’s vaccinations are current (West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Rabies, Tetanus Toxoid). Consider Equine Herpes Virus or the Flu vaccine if you plan to move your horse.
- For identification purposes, take a picture of your horse and you with your horse
- Label your horse, for example, luggage tag on halter, nontoxic paint or marker, clip information on side
- Keep record of microchip number, tattoo number or brand
- Move your horse from flood prone areas
- Store all loose items on the farm, such as jump standards and cups, which can become dangerous projectiles in high wind
- Have feed and water available
- 12-20 gallons of water per horse each day
- Large garbage cans with liners to store feed
- Generator for well and fuel
- Turn off the power to the barn
- Do not put your horse in a pasture with power lines
- Keep your horse out of barns that are not safe
- It is recommended to keep your horse in the pasture during the storm if there is good fencing, limited trees and no power lines or electric fence
- Emergency tools and supplies: hammer, nails, fence repair materials, wire cutters, tool box, pry bar, fire extinguisher, flashlights, batteries, radio
Visit our Animal Owners Resources page for additional tips to keep your animals safe.
Dr. Amanda House, Veterinarian of UF Large Animal Internal Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor, DACVIM, Equine Extension Specialist and Course Director of the Practice-Based Equine Clerkship Program
